Rockwall Chamber honors local Leaders & Legends

ROCKWALL, TX (March 4,2024) The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 95^th season Feb. 29^th with a Leaders & Legends-themed banquet honoring local businesses. Presented by Frost Bank, the annual meeting showcased a dazzling display of sequins and sneakers, music and awards at AmeriSports, Rockwall’s new indoor multi-sport and event facility.

“We are so excited to lace up our celebratory sneakers, huddle up and commemorate 95 years of victories, teamwork, and game-changing moments that have defined our community,” said Darby Nielsen, Chamber president and CEO. “Our success today is founded upon the true legends who set out before us to make the Rockwall area the best place to live, work, and play. I believe they would be proud of the work that you all are doing to make this Chamber the largest and most impactful business association in our area. I know I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to serve alongside each of you. You make our community just that – a true community.”

She added that she is proud of the work that the Board, Ambassadors, and team does daily to live out the Chamber’s mission to ‘make everyday extraordinary for business wile maintining the ideal hometown feel.’

“I am looking forward to welcoming new businesses in 2024 as well as collaborating with the seasoned partners who may be celebrating incredible milestone anniversaries with us,” Nielsen said.

In addition to Frost Bank, presenting sponsors of the event included Blo blow dry bar, AmeriSports, Linebarger Attorneys at Law, American National Bank of Texas, Williamson Foundation Repair, Republic Services, Justin Holland for Texas, Doc’s Roofing, and Blue Ribbon News.

The event opened with entertainment by Rockwall ISD students; an invocation by Lesli Johnson of Rest Haven; and welcoming remarks from outgoing Chairman Brady Z. Hill of Farmers Insurance. Outgoing board members were also recognized, including Christopher Lynch, Rockwall County Elections; Ashlei Neill, Rockwall ISD Education Foundation; Dr. John Villarreal, Rockwall ISD Superintendent; and Amy Wilkins, Baylor Scott & White Lake Pointe.

Incoming board memers include Alison Belliveau, Rockwall ISD; Donas Cole, Baylor Scott & White Lake Pointe; Kevin Hadawi, Wells Fargo Advisors; Frank McLeod, Minuteman Press; Kayne Pierce, b1Bank; and Justin Weiss, City of Fate.

The winners of this year’s Chamber Partner Business Impact Awards include:

2024 Chamber Partner of the Year

Based off their involvement and support of critical community issues, enhancing the economy of the Rockwall area through the successful and profitable operation of their organization, and exhibiting outstanding community support.

Occasions at Stone River – Catering

Chairman’s Award

Given by the Chairman of the Board of Diretors, this award recognizes an organization or individual who have put forth significant contribution and efforts in their work, community, and the Chamber. The Chairman’s Award recognizes outstanding leadership in the Chamber and beyond.

Texas Health Rockwall

Best Practices in Community Involvement and Impact

This award showcases a company that demonstrates a consistent commitment to community involvement and philanthropy as a part of their core business values.

Winner:

ALL CARE COMFORT SOLUTIONS

Nominees:

Blo Blow Dry Bar Rockwall

Clay Cooley Hyundai of Rockwall

Frost Bank

Hanby Insurance

Excellence in Customer Focus

This award recognizes a Chamber Partner who has made a distinct impact in the business community within their first 12-18 months of partnering with the Chamber. They have demonstrated a capacity for creativity, innovation and experienced growth. This company has shown and embraced true Chamber spirit and an overall contribution to the community.

Winner:

Providence Place Bridal Shop

Nominees:

American National Bank of Texas

HomeBank Texas

Occasions at Stone River

Racquet and Jog

Emerging Business of the Year

This award showcases a company whose customer service ability has transcended to the masses. Their reputation for excellent customer focus has been experienced and publicized by many. This positive focus has resulted in an increase in client satisfaction, client retention and referrals.

Winner:

Rockhopper Apparel & Design

Nominees:

Armonia Chiropractic

HouseMaster Home Inspections

Reborn Skin & Beauty

Self Possessed Coaching

Small Business Partner of the Year

This company is recognized for integrating excellence and commitment to quality as a core value and point of reference into their business structure. The award recognizes participation in the community, Chamber driven initiatives, a proven track record, growth and sustainability and a commitment to quality.

Winner:

Avidea Social

Nominees:

APlus Payroll

Chub’s Towing and Recovery

Raptor IT Solutions

Spidermen Services

Medium Size Business Partner of the Year

This award recognizes a mid-size business which has maintained stability over its contributions during the past year to employees and the community. This Chamber partner has an excellent reputation has been a strong advocate to the community and the Chamber and is recognized for integrating excellence and commitment to quality into their business structure.

Winner:

Hanks Handyman Services

Nominees:

b1BANK

Belfiore’ Salon & Day Spa

Rest Haven Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, Inc.

Large Partner Organization of the Year

Winner:

Orthopaedic Specialists of Dallas

Nominees:

This award honors an organization that has made a significant impact on our area and within the Chamber through leadership, marketing and strategic alliance and contributions. This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated success and has displayed overall community development for the greater Rockwall area.

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP

Oncor Electric Delivery

Rockwall Ford

Destination Partner of the Year

Winner:

The Downing Bottles & Bites

Nominees:

The organization has made an economic impact to Rockwall County by demonstrating the ability to bring in outside visitors to our community. This business is a leader in reputation, marketing and service. This Partner is committed to promoting Rockwall and its surrounding areas as a true destination and consistently brings our unique hometown feel to their patrons.

Sail with Scott

Texas Gun Ranch

The Northside Rockwall

XGolf Rockwall

Throughout the ceremony, several businesses were recognized for milestone partner anniversaries. Incoming Chairman Shane Hollis, Maaco of Rockwall, gave closing remarks.